Celebrating five decades of<i>Mammalian Species</i>, highlighted by the publication of the 1,000th account

Hamilton, Meredith J.; Leslie, David M.

doi:10.1093/jmammal/gyab061

Cited by 2 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…The taxonomy and common names of mammals included in this review follow the nomenclature of Wilson & Mittermeier (2009 , 2011 , 2014) , Mittermeier et al (2013) , Jackson & Groves (2015) , and Wilson et al (2016 , 2017 , 2018 , 2019) . Total number of mammal species in each order is based on Hamilton & Leslie (2021) . Rates of mycophagy may differ among subspecies, but we did not consider subspecies due to the large number of mammal species covered.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

Elliott

Truong

Jackson

et al. 2022

Fungal Systematics and Evolution

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The consumption of fungi by animals is a significant trophic interaction in most terrestrial ecosystems, yet the role mammals play in these associations has been incompletely studied. In this review, we compile 1 154 references published over the last 146 years and provide the first comprehensive global review of mammal species known to eat fungi (508 species in 15 orders). We review experimental studies that found viable fungal inoculum in the scats of at least 40 mammal species, including spores from at least 58 mycorrhizal fungal species that remained viable after ingestion by mammals. We provide a summary of mammal behaviours relating to the consumption of fungi, the nutritional importance of fungi for mammals, and the role of mammals in fungal spore dispersal. We also provide evidence to suggest that the morphological evolution of sequestrate fungal sporocarps (fruiting bodies) has likely been driven in part by the dispersal advantages provided by mammals. Finally, we demonstrate how these interconnected associations are widespread globally and have far-reaching ecological implications for mammals, fungi and associated plants in most terrestrial ecosystems.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Numbers at end of graph bars indicate number of extant mycophagous species we found reported in the literature. Number of species in each order is based on Hamilton & Leslie (2021) . Note that this figure only includes extant species.…”

Section: Figmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

Elliott

Truong

Jackson

et al. 2022

Fungal Systematics and Evolution

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“…Rodents are one such group. With 2590 species (Hamilton and Leslie 2021), rodents are the most diverse and widespread order of mammals, and many of these species consume fungi. Rodents generally pass spores through their digestive systems quicker than do larger mammals and often have smaller home ranges/movement patterns (Danks 2012; Danks et al .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The fungal rat race: mycophagy among rodent communities in eastern Australia

Elliott

Vernes

2022

Wildlife Res.

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Context. Rodents in many parts of the world perform an important ecosystem function as dispersers of mycorrhizal fungal spores. These fungi are vital to nutrient uptake in plant communities, but many of the fungal taxa that form these associations have fruiting bodies that are reliant on animals for their spore dispersal. Aims. Numerous studies have focused on the ecological importance of Australian marsupials (especially members of the Potoroidae) for the dispersal of these ecologically important fungi. We chose to focus this study on the role of murid rodents in the dispersal of these fungi in eastern Australia. Methods. To compare fungal taxa in murid diets, we trapped rodents in three regions of eastern Australia; our study sites spanned over 2000 km from temperate eucalypt forests to tropical eucalypt and tropical rainforest habitats. We performed microanalysis on all scats to determine whether fungi were consumed and which taxa were being eaten. Statistical analysis was conducted to investigate trends in levels of mycophagy among species and habitats. Key results. We examined 10 rodent species, and all were shown to ingest mycorrhizal fungi to varying degrees. The diversity, abundance and specific fungal taxa consumed varied depending on the site and forest type. In drier forests dominated by Eucalyptus spp., the fungal taxa consumed and dispersed were primarily ectomycorrhizal; in wetter rainforest habitats, the fungal diversity consumed was far lower and included primarily vesicular arbuscular fungi. We provide the first evidence of mycophagy by grassland melomys (Melomys burtoni) and Cape York melomys (Melomys capensis). Conclusions. Our findings highlight the importance of rodents as dispersers of mycorrhizal fungi across a variety of habitats from temperate to tropical forests of eastern Australia. Implications. This study increases the existing knowledge of rodent diets and habitat requirements. It also provides a new angle for mammal conservation efforts, given the vital nature of the ecosystem service provided by these small and frequently overlooked mammals.

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Celebrating five decades ofMammalian Species, highlighted by the publication of the 1,000th account

Cited by 2 publications

References 6 publications

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

Mammalian Mycophagy: a Global Review of Ecosystem Interactions Between Mammals and Fungi

The fungal rat race: mycophagy among rodent communities in eastern Australia

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